Program evaluation

We offer a three-step process for program evaluation, as a collaborative activity in the framework of the cyclical program evaluation at the University through which our analyst supports your academic unit in:

  • Collecting multiple stakeholders’ views about the program through a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis.
  • Setting out new program expectations aligned with stakeholder’s demand through revised program-level learning outcomes (PLO’s).
  • Analysing how the whole set of learning activities are aligned with the revised program learning outcomes.

Throughout this process, our analyst will work in close collaboration with the designated lead person/committee for this activity at your academic unit.

For complementary information at the University level, please refer to the following sites (Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic Affairs):

development process
  • DLE: Degree Level Expectations
  • IQAP: Institutional Quality Assurance Process
  • PLO: Program Learning Outcomes
  • SWOT: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats
  • TLSS: Teaching and Learning Support Service


1. SWOT Analysis (SWOT: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats)

Objective: collect reliable data about the program as seen by stakeholders.

A SWOT analysis is an effective process to get the opinions of stakeholders about your program. The information gathered from online questionnaires and in-person and / or though virtual interviews can inform the development of an action plan to enhance academic programs.

2. Revision of Program Learning Outcomes (PLO’s)

Objective: ensure alignment of PLO’s with stakeholders’ expectations.

Program learning outcomes (PLO’s) indicate the set of knowledge, skills, and attributes that students will gain upon successful completion of your program. For students, PLO’s set out expectations. For the academic unit, they’re the basis of the whole curriculum.

Guide for developing Program Learning Outcomes. (PDF Document – 1,8 Mb)

To know more about Program Learning Outcomes

Series of video modules : « How to develop effective Program Learning Outcomes » (close captions in English)

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) - What are they and who needs them? Watch the presentation.

3. Curriculum analysis

Objective: evaluate the alignment of instructional elements in the curriculum with the revised PLO’s.

In our context, a curriculum analysis evaluates the alignment of various instructional elements with program learning outcomes. We aim at identifying how students are guided by professors (through content, activities, and evaluations) in achieving each program learning outcome. This information can be used by your academic unit to look at how courses complement each other, fine-tune pedagogical approaches through a holistic program view and identify potential overlaps and gaps.

Timeline

As these three steps are iterative, it is recommended to allocate a minimum of three to four months of active work for this activity. While it’s hard to predict exactly how much time is needed, expect to spend two to three hours per week (excluding time for respondents to complete the questionnaire). Our curriculum and learning outcomes analyst will guide and support you during this process.